Defiant Luis Rubiales has vowed to “defend his innocence” after revealing he is stepping down as president of the Spanish Football Federation following the “Kissgate” scandal in an exclusive interview with Piers Morgan.
When his decision to resign was announced, he tweeted: “I will defend my honor.” I will defend my innocence.
“I have faith in the future.” I believe in the truth. Thanks to all.’
He ended his tweet by posting a photo of the Spanish flag.
In a lengthy statement he released just before taking to Twitter, the father of three said: “Today at 9:30 p.m. I submitted my resignation from the position of President of the RFEF to the Acting President, Mr. Pedro Rocha.”
Luis Rubiales was spotted kissing Spain’s Jenni Hermoso after the Women’s World Cup final
Rubiales has resigned as president of the Spanish Football Federation after a controversial few weeks
“I also informed you that I have done the same with my position at UEFA so that my position in the vice-presidency can be replaced.”
“After the swift suspension by FIFA and the rest of the proceedings against me, it is clear that I cannot return to my position.”
“Insisting on waiting and sticking to it will not bring anything positive, neither for the association nor for Spanish football.” Among other things, because there are factual powers that prevent my return.
“There is the management of my team and most importantly the joy I have at the tremendous privilege of having these more than five years at the helm of the RFEF.”
“I do not want Spanish football to be harmed by this disproportionate campaign and, above all, I am making this decision after ensuring that my departure will contribute to the stability that will allow both Europe and Africa to be united in the dream to stay.” 2030, allowing to bring the biggest event in the world to our country.
“I have to look ahead, look to the future.”
“Now there is something that keeps me firmly on my mind.” I believe in the truth and will do everything in my power to enforce it.
“My daughters, my family and the people who love me have suffered the effects of excessive persecution and many untruths, but it is also true that truth is triumphing more and more on the streets every day.”
“From here I extend a warm hug to all workers, assembly members, federations and footballers in general and wish them the best of luck.”
“Thank you to everyone who has supported me during these times.”
Immediately after the Hermoso incident, Rubiales came under fire. Protests against his presidency erupted across Spain, with senior figures calling for his resignation.
FIFA initially handed him a 90-day ban and are pushing for a longer ban. The Spanish Football Federation publicly apologized for his behavior.
Rubiales still faces criminal charges of sexual assault and coercion over his “unsolicited kiss” on Spain international Jenni Hermoso following Spain’s World Cup win over England.
The 33-year-old forward filed a formal complaint last week before returning to Mexico, where she plays her club football. Prosecutors announced on Friday that they had lodged their formal complaint with a judge at the Audiencia Nacional court in Madrid.
The former Spanish Football Federation president insisted the kiss was consensual and described it as a “kiss”.
Hermoso filed a formal complaint against Rubiales last week, describing the kiss as a “sexist act” that happened without her consent
Rubiales was initially reluctant to step down despite being handed a 90-day ban by FIFA
Protests erupted across Spain following the incident, calling for Rubiales to resign
The footballer said the kiss left her feeling vulnerable and a victim of aggression. She described it as “an impulsive, sexist act, out of place and without any consent on my part.”
Rubiales, who apologized for grabbing his crotch during the post-match celebrations in front of Spain’s Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter, had said in a lengthy statement last week before announcing his decision, to stop: “The spontaneity and luck of the historical moment led us to a joint and consensual act, carried by great enthusiasm.
“At no point was there any aggression, in fact there was not the slightest bit of discomfort but an overflowing joy in both of us.”
Rubiales’ 72-year-old mother Angeles Bejar went on a two-day hunger strike at a church in her hometown of Motril, near Granada, after she was hospitalized 48 hours after her protest.
She said she created it to get Jenni to tell “the truth” about the kiss.
Before falling ill, she said from inside the church, “I just want the truth to be told.”
Rubiales sparked further outrage after footage emerged showing him grabbing his crotch while celebrating Spain’s victory near Spanish Queen Letizia and her 16-year-old daughter
Rubiale’s mother, Angeles Bejar, went on a hunger strike at a church in the Costa resort of Motril, near Malaga
“She knows that my son is very honest. If she tells the truth, everything will be fixed.’
Referring to the World Cup kiss that led to the so-called “Kissgate” scandal, she added: “It was an anecdote, as she said herself, and look how far it has progressed.”
“She should have a conscience and act on it.”
“My son is very worried and has asked me not to continue, to stop, but I will be here until I drop and my body can continue.”